2014's 'Island of Lemurs: Madagascar' is one of several documentary short films presented in IMAX 3D. These short films are mostly quite interesting, but their overall quality is most worthwhile if flawed. The effects have also varied. Madagascar is a fascinating place, often re-visited in nature documentaries but it never feels old when re-visited and a lot is learned every time without being recycled. Lemurs are always great to watch and have always liked Morgan Freeman a lot as an actor.
'Island of Lemurs: Madagascar' is another one of the very worthwhile but could have been a lot better considering the potential kind of documentaries. It's mostly well made and narrated and the animal footage is amazing, but the use of 3D vary and the human scenes didn't engage as much. Plenty of things to like here in 'Island of Lemurs: Madagascar', but there was definitely for improvement so can understand both sides of the mixed response and am relatively on the fence.
Am going to start with the good. On the most part, 'Island of Lemurs: Madagascar' looks great. The scenery is enough to take the breath away and the intimacy of the vibrant cinematography mostly worked very well. The lemurs look wonderful and are both adorable and mischievous, not to mention very easy to relate to in whatever circumstances they're in. Their story is where 'Island of Lemurs: Madagascar' is at its best, being entertaining and touching. Also with instances of the viewer being amazed at how their behaviour and situations are filmed.
The information for these scenes is informative and not too cute, juvenile or over-serious. While it is not innovative or quite comprehensive enough narration, the narration is well balanced in tone, isn't overused and is not over-explanatory. Freeman delivers it beautifully with his usual sonorous gravitas-filled voice.
However, the human scenes aren't as engaging and there could have been less of them and more of the animal footage (as much as the lemurs left me in awe they were underused). Nothing new is said in these scenes and what is said lacks depth and doesn't educate that much. 'Island of Lemurs: Madagascar' does do some backing and forthing and at points in too jumpy a way.
Did find the music on the intrusive side and the 3D itself varies. It doesn't look cheap and liked its intimacy, but it didn't always feel necessary (the lemurs' story could easily have been told without it) and there could have been less of it.
In conclusion, worth the look but not essential. 6/10.
